Donkey Welfare in Developing Countries

Donkeys provide essential transportation and traction for hundreds of millions of people in developing countries, often under poor welfare conditions.

Key Facts

An estimated 40 million donkeys work globally, predominantly in low-income countries
Donkeys carry loads equivalent to their body weight daily in many working contexts
Common welfare problems include malnutrition, overwork, harness injuries, and lack of hoof care
The Brooke charity provides veterinary care for working equids in Ethiopia, Pakistan, India, and elsewhere
Donkey skin trade has emerged as a serious welfare crisis, with millions killed for ejiao gelatin

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of working donkeys is intimately connected to the welfare and livelihoods of the families who depend on them. Overworked, malnourished donkeys with chronic harness injuries are less productive, creating a poverty trap. Welfare improvements that extend working donkey health and productivity benefit both the animals and the families who depend on them, making donkey welfare a development issue as well as an animal welfare one. The emerging donkey skin trade threatens to halve donkey populations in Africa within five years.

What You Can Do

Donate to the Brooke, SPANA, or other organizations providing working equid welfare support
Avoid products containing ejiao, which drives the donkey skin trade
Support advocacy against donkey skin trade expansion
Raise awareness about donkey welfare as a development issue
Support organizations integrating donkey welfare into rural poverty programs